Lidice Memorial

A sombre patch of ground near Stoke-on-Trent marks one of Nazi Germany's darkest acts - the complete destruction of the Czech village of Lidice in 1942. The memorial here honours the 173 children, 184 women and 173 men who were murdered in reprisal for the assassination of Reinhard Heydrich. Walking the site, you're confronted by the scale of loss. There's a bell tower, a rose garden planted where homes once stood, and stone markers that list the names of the dead. It's deliberately understated, which makes it more powerful.

This isn't a place for idle tourism. History buffs and anyone interested in WWII will find it genuinely moving. Families with older children might visit, though younger ones may struggle with the gravity of it all. Allow an hour - it's not vast, but you won't want to rush through. There's no visitor centre or café, so plan accordingly.

Admission appears free, though opening times and seasonal closures aren't always consistent, so ring ahead if you're making a special trip. It's relatively close to Luzlow Caravan Site and Glamping at Holly Grove Farm, making it a feasible half-day addition to a Staffordshire park break. Worth the detour if you're interested in wartime history, but don't expect a cheerful outing. It's the opposite - and that's exactly as it should be.